Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 74(3) Aug 2024

 Editorials

On same sex blessings

How is it possible for the Vatican to reject same sex blessings in 2021 and accept it in 2023? Cardinal Fernandez, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has argued that Church teachings can change (16 April, 2024, Catholic Herald [1]). He cites the case of slavery. In 1452, Pope Nicholas V allowed King Alfonso V of Portugal to enslave certain people. But in 1537, Pope Paul III condemned with excommunication those who subjected others to slavery.

In my opinion, Fernandez has provided us with a very poor example of change. The Church has always condemned the practice of unjust servitude. However, the Church tolerated servitude imposed on criminals or prisoners of war when the only realistic alternative was execution. Similarly, St Paul tolerated the slavery of his time when the Roman economy was dependent on slavery. Getting rid of slavery in one sweep would have led to mass starvation. However, slave owners were asked to treat their slaves with brotherly love. That is how Christianity got rid of slavery.

Rachel’s Vineyard

I had a very helpful discussion about this fantastic organisation with a member of the team. It supports all those affected by abortion- fathers, mothers, grandparents, siblings and friends. Many men come to Rachel's Vineyard because they are suffering from post-abortion trauma. There are retreats for men and women who are seeking healing and reconciliation.

Chemical abortions affect women adversely because they can see the "remains" of what is euphemistically termed the products of conception. Many are traumatised by pain and blood loss. Rachel's Vineyard supports over a hundred men and women each year. It deserves our support.
Abortion trauma exists. No matter what the "experts" say.

The Rise of the populist movements

I dislike Donald Trump. I think his moral life belongs somewhere in the sewer. But I would have voted for him if I could. Just to keep the opposition at bay. Trump is no Charlemagne come to the rescue. But he is the only realistic alternative to the abortion president of the United States who recently made the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion rally [2].

In Europe, many of the leaders of the populist movements are not Christian. Even those who uphold Christian values are often not good examples in their personal lives. Many will vote for them because they fear the growth of Islam in Europe and what this may do to sexual minority "rights."

And yet, what does one do when the opposition is the likes of Macron, the abortion president of France? “Rather than lending support to populist movements, we should do our very best to promote a culture of life.

References

  1. Catholic Herald 16 April 2024. https://catholicherald.co.uk/view-from-the-journalistic-pew-in-rome-cardinal-tucho-fernandez-opens-up-on-his-doctrinal-declarations/
  2. Washington Times (12th May 2024) ‘Sacrilegious’: Bishops upbrad Biden for crossing himself at an abortion rally. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/may/12/bishops-upbraid-biden-crossing-himself-abortion-ra/